CAMPAIGNERS have slammed celebrity Darren Day after he admitted to being nearly twice the legal drink-drive limit.

As reported in later editions of yesterday’s Echo, the 40-year-old performer changed his plea moments before his trial was due to get underway at Cardiff Magistrates’ Court.

He was banned from driving for 18 months and fined £700.

Carole Whittingham, spokeswoman for the Campaign Against Drinking and Driving, said Day’s actions were a terrible example to others.

“I feel very disappointed that somebody with such a high profile has risked other people’s lives by drinking and driving,” she said.

“He thoroughly deserves his ban. He should be setting an example. What was wrong with him getting a taxi?

“I think the fine is paltry but magistrates are restricted. He will have no problems paying that.”

Day, of Pontefract Road, Barnsley, South Yorkshire, was stopped by police in the early hours of June 18 in Custom House Street. Representing himself and wearing a pin-striped suit, he told the court yesterday he had been advised to plead not guilty at an earlier hearing by his solicitor.

He told District Judge Geraint Watkins: “I realise I was endangering other people and myself and truly I am sorry for that.”

Day, who had been in the city appearing in the musical Hello Dolly! at the New Theatre, stopped and co-operated with officers who stopped him after he went through a red light on St Mary Street, but was arrested because he failed to complete a roadside breath test.

Mr Roberts said: “He hesitated and sucked rather than blew.”

Back at the police station, Day gave a positive reading of 65 microgrammes of alcohol in 100 millilitres of breath. The legal limit is 35.

Four hours later police gave him another breath test which read 35. He was handed his keys and allowed to leave.

Day, a father of three, told the court he denied the charge after legal advice. He said he had got behind the wheel to move his car from a yellow line.

The singer said: “I’m a husband and I’m a father and I’ve never done anything like this before.

“I was away on tour, I was missing my family. I can swear I hardly ever drink. I realise I was completely in the wrong.”

He added: “I have three children and my wife to support.

“One child lives four hours from where I live and to have no car would make it difficult for me to pick him up on weekends. I can only throw myself on the mercy of the court.”

Day, whose wife Stephanie sat at the back of the court, was fined £700 and ordered to pay £100 costs and a £15 victim surcharge.

Sentencing Day, the judge said: “You appear to be genuine and contrite about this offence.”